Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardCoulter
Another forum member has pointed out that the Sky basic channels are due to be renewed in the not too distant future.
He went on to say that if the UKTV channels are still missing. Sky could spot an obvious weakness in a competitors package and decide to exploit it by massively increasing the price of their channels.
VM then have the choice to either accept ridiculously inflated prices or go through a repeat of the UKTV farce. If it came to the deadline without a carriage agreement, VM may well have to go back to UKTV with their tail between their legs.
If the UKTV channels don't return before the Sky deal is up and the Sky channels are removed again, this would significantly weaken the VM platform. Take away the channels that can be obtained FTA and what would they have to offer?
What could they replace them with? The only channels of note that I can think of are MTV Classics, Disney HD and more from the Love Nature, Moozoo stable. Then it's a trip to the bargain basement for Sky1 +1, Pick +1 and True Movies +1!
Does anyone know when the actual date is for the Sky carriage deal to be renewed?
Oh and this time they would be able to remove the Sky Sports channels as Ofcom removed the rate card for Sky Sports saying that it was for the market to decide. I'm not sure about the position regarding the Sky Cinema channels.
Perhaps this may be one of the reasons why VM have started their own sports channels in the ROI. I suppose they could resolve any rights issues and stick these on as a replacement, the same with Virgin Media One, Two and Three. This would be more problematic as some of their material is ITV content.
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It was announced on 12 May 2014 that a new 5 year carriage agreement with Sky had been agreed with Virgin Media, so VM have about 10 months to play with.